The Telugu film industry members on Friday took out a rally and observed a day-long fast demanding that the Jan Lokpal bill of activist Anna Hazare's team be tabled in parliament.
Actors, producers, directors, writers, artists and workers from various units of the industry joined hands to express their solidarity with Hazare leading the fight against corruption.
The film personalities took out a peace rally from the office of the Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce in Film Nagar to condemn the arrest of Hazare and his supporters.
They later began their fast to express solidarity with the activist who launched his fast in New Delhi Tuesday and was sent to the Tihar Jail.
Eminent filmmaker and former union minister Dasari Narayana Rao, actor couple Jeevitha and Rajasekhar, actor Babu Mohan and others were participating. Some participants had black ribbons tied across their mouths while others were carrying placards.
"We fully support Anna Hazare and his aides fighting against corruption. There is no alternative to a comprehensive Jan Lokpal bill," said actress Jeevitha.
She demanded every politician, including the prime minister, must be brought under the purview of the Lokpal.
"We are in a situation where nobody is above board. The public perception is that 80 to 90 percent politicians are corrupt and hence there is every need to make all politicians accountable," she said.
Hazare, who has been fasting for a stronger anti-corruption law since three days from inside the jail, Friday left for the Ramlila ground of Delhi to continue his crusade.
Meanwhile, well-known south Indian film personalities have thrown their weight behind Anna Hazare's demand for a strong anti-corruption bill, with actor Nagarjuna urging the people to support the Gandhian "for a brighter India" and director Ramesh Arvind saying "Anna Hazare and his team's demands are not unjust".
"Hello my friends - support Anna Hazare today for a brighter india tomorrow. Help eradicate corruption. jai hind! Jai Jan LokPal," Nagarjuna posted on his Twitter page.
"It looks like that with every move of central government makes to curb Anna's movement, the overwhelming support for him will increase. The agitation is backed by middle-class people who are very badly affected by corruption. This agitation is sure to succeed and I don't think Anna and his team's demands are unjust. What is wrong if every person in the country is subjected to scrutiny by the Lok Pal bill," Arvind maintained.
"In Karnataka, the (former) chief minister (BS Yeddyurappa) was been severely criticised (by the Lokayukta). He had to resign. I think any person who is accused should quit his office and face the enquiries," he added.
Support to Anna is pouring on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.
Actress Ramya tweeted: "More power to Anna..praying for Hazaar more like him."
Anna's arrest on Tuesday, hours before he was to begin a fast-unto-death to demand a strong anti-graft law, has also sparked off angry reactions. Siddharth, who has acted in Hindi films like 'Striker' and 'Rang De Basanti', termed the arrest a blunder by the UPA governemnt.
"(The) blunder has made even the few remaining pro-UPA news channels (take) a pro-Anna stance! Anything's possible now. Keep pushing," said Sidhdharth who has been tweeting regularly in support of Anna.
Telugu pop singer and actress Smitha tweeted: "Little did the government expect that they would be the cause to make Annas moment so much more powerful. This is what is called FOOT IN MOUTH."
Well-known Kannada singer Chaithra has gone all out to support Anna. On Wednesday, she participated in the protest rally organised at Bangalore's Freedom Park and sang patriotic songs. She gave a clarion call to youngsters to rally behind Anna Hazaare.
"Every activity in our lives has been touched by corruption and all of us have become victims of corrupt practices indulged by government and non-government agencies. All of us have to fight against corruption and the best way is to rally behind Anna who is a true Gandhian and has fought many successful battles against corruption," she said.